Synopsis

Twenty-three-year old Takaba Akihito is a young freelance photographer who takes pride in his work and seeks to get a major "scoop." After he takes photographs of the business dealings of crime lord Asami Ryuichi, Asami kidnaps and rapes him, beginning a sadomasochistic relationship between them as they find themselves continually drawn to one another. Fei Long, a rival Chinese boss who blames Asami for his father's death, takes an interest in Takaba, as well, seeking a way to get revenge.

Hmm.. honestly.. when I first heard that Viewfinder will have an ANIME/OVA.. I was like "OMFG OMG OMG I AM DYING" something like that. Then someone corrected it and said something like this:

"It's not an anime or OVA. It's an AniMix"

The definition of AniMix in my head is like compilation or MIXTURE of different anime, scenarios, music, etc. So I was a bit disappointed when I learned that it's not an OVA at all. But even so (at that time), I didn't care. As long as I can see Asami and Akihito or even hear their voices, it's alright. But of course I kept reminding myself that I'm not going to expect anything.

So when the AniMix was released last February 29, 2012 (I've watched it last March 1, 2012 though).. I actually enjoyed it.

Story:

The whole episode/movie/AniMix (or whatever it was) consists the following chapters from the manga: You're my Love Prize in Viewfinder, Fixer and Love Prize 01.

It is practically the same with the manga. So no problem with that. (Though I would be more happier if it was the Hong Kong Arc XD)

Characters:

Actually, from my point of view, it really looks like an anime/ova. Though the only problem is the lack of movements. They don't "move" that much. The characters don't blink their eyes (that much I guess) or they have less facial expression. They look stiff. Well it is an AniMix after all so expect that.

The only thing that bothered me was how the other characters (including Feilong) speak Chinese. It was really funny. XD

Enjoyment:

As a Viewfinder fan, I really enjoyed it. I mean.. just hearing the Drama CD made me so happy. What more if I see them moving and talking right? Especially the S&M scene (though nothing graphic). But of course I'm still wishing they will make a "real" anime or OVA of it.

Overall:

I guess I'll give it a 7. I enjoyed it but of course I still prefer the manga. I recommend you to read the manga first if you HAVEN'T READ the manga. Because you will not enjoy it that much.read more

Well that was horrible. Good thing I read that it was an animix rather than an OVA before starting otherwise it could have beeen even more disappointing , not that it got an outstanding grade this way either.This was my first experience watching an animix and I can say with confidence that I will never watch it again. It was like watching paperdolls (etremely hot paperdolls, but paperdolls nonetheless) moving and talking. I couldn't even say "come to life" as they did not.

There is no reason to elaborate on the plot as you should not watch this unless you have read the manga. You will not be able to follow the story as there really is none. The story is in the manga and even if this is an adabtation it skips all the details and even I had trouble to follow sometimes. There is no flow and the paperdolls are once in this place and on the next in that place while elevator music is played on the backround. I did not even enjoy the voice actors as Masami sounded way too old and Fei Long sounded just...wrong.

I always enjoy bishies and that's why I gave this a three rather than a one. read more

This is the worst OVA i have ever seen. It was an absolute pain sitting through the whole thing. I then realised it was an Animix or whatever which is why it turned out like this. Like omg... you would be better off reading the manga than watching this. ( I have never read the manga ) It is literally like pictures with some mouth and eye movement. Thats it. Im pretty sure i would have enjoyed myself way more reading the manga -.- I dont even understand why they would even make this.

STORY:
i guess base on what ive seen, the story is still ok. Nothing to elaborate here

ART:
The character designs are fine. Tolerable to me. ( because most of the time i cant stand these type of designs ) The movement is absolutely terrible. There was this one scene where extreme movement was needed to show its 'epicness' and it was just a train wreck... (But since its an Animix i shouldnt fault how still it is or whatever but i just have to say it)

SOUND:
The sound was okay i guess. HOWEVER, there was this one part where characters werent speaking Japanese but Cantonese and like omg, since i do speak Cantonese, MY EARS FELT LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO EXPLODE by how badly spoken it was. But of course if you dont speak the language it wouldnt affect you at all. I just wanna state my experience with it.

In conclusion, i don think you should watch the OVA. It is a waste of time. Just read the manga if youre interested. Im pretty sure you will have a better time with it.

Well I can't say it was that awful, but I have to say that I was really disappointed. First, all really hot scenes that were in manga were censored, and that sure killed the mood. Second, Asami's voice. It's not that I didn't like it, it's just that in CD-drama, his seiyu was Koyasu and I think his voice suits Asami best. Third, Fei Long. Pffft, he speaks Japanese better then Chinese, where's the logic in that. His funny Chinese pretty much killed the atmosphere as well.
So, all in all I must say that it's great that Viewfinder was made into something close to anime, but they could do better. Some moments like those I wrote about sure killed the mood.
I'll recommend this to hardcore fans of Ayano Yamane works. Others - beware, it might really dissapoint you. read more